The Town Planning Board today (September 2) announced the publication of the draft Yim Tin Tsai and Ma Shi Chau Development Permission Area (DPA) Plan.

The draft Yim Tin Tsai and Ma Shi Chau DPA Plan covers a total area of about 108 hectares. It comprises four islands, namely Yim Tin Tsai, a small island to its northeast, Ma Shi Chau and Yeung Chau. The Area is located in Tolo Harbour and forms part of the southern edge of Plover Cove.

A spokesman for the Town Planning Board said the general planning intention is to conserve the areas of high landscape and geological significance, to protect the unique landscape character, and to maintain the rural and natural character of the Area.

About 0.29 hectares of land is zoned "Residential (Group C)" to reflect the low-rise and low-density residential development at Springdale Garden. About 4.35 hectares of land is zoned "Residential (Group D)" covering village houses, domestic and temporary structures on Yim Tin Tsai island.

About 7.24 hectares of land is zoned "Site of Special Scientific Interest" ("SSSI") on the DPA Plan including the eastern tip of Yim Tin Tsai island, Shui Mong Tin of Ma Chi Chau and the tombolo connecting these two places, a small circular area to the northeast of Shui Mong Tin as well as the "SSSI(1)" sub-zone located to the northeast of Yim Tin Tsai island.

The remaining 96.06 hectares of land area is designated as "Unspecified Use" pending detailed analysis and studies to establish the appropriate land uses in the course of preparing an Outline Zoning Plan.

The draft Yim Tin Tsai and Ma Shi Chau DPA Plan is now available for public inspection during office hours at the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, Planning Enquiry Counters in North Point and Sha Tin, the Sha Tin, Tai Po and North District Planning Office, the Tai Po District Office, and the Tai Po Rural Committee.

Any person may make written representations in respect of the draft plan to the Secretary of the Board on or before November 2, 2011.

Copies of the draft plan are available for sale at the Map Publications Centers in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the plan can be viewed on the Town Planning Board's website at (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).